The annual Roller Mills tournament has descended on New Plymouth this week, hosted by it’s southern-most participant, Taranaki, at Yarrow Stadium.

Auckland traveled south with two teams, Auckland East and Auckland West, the former defending co-champions after drawing the 2015 final.

Read brief match reports below:

Sunday 25th September – Auckland East vs. Auckland West
Day one saw both Auckland teams play each other having been drawn in the same pool together. Tough conditions saw both teams look to try and play running rugby. The West forwards were strong over the ball but the classy East backs saw them secure the victory. 
Final Score: Auckland East 31 – Auckland West 13

Monday 26th September – Auckland West vs. Taranaki
Auckland West was the only team to represent today as Auckland East had the bye. The Westies being lucky enough to play on Yarrow Stadium No1. The first half was very close as teams adapted to the extra width of the slightly bigger field. At half time Auckland West up 10-8. The Coach – Murray Jackson had a few stern words to the boys and finally everything clicked as the silky feet of the outside backs saw West run in four tries and ran away with the victory. 
Final Score: Auckland West 35 – Taranaki 8.

Tuesday 27th September – Auckland West vs. North Harbour & Auckland East vs. Taranaki
Auckland West had a big game against the boys over the bridge. A win for them would most likely see a Semi-final berth. West scored early however in consistency with kickers saw the try go unconverted. Harbour slowly edged in front heading into the break ahead. The second was a tight tussle between both teams and saw try for try. Fortunately West were put together a game winning try which saw the West winger dive in the corner to secure the win for the West.
Final Score: Auckland West 27 – North Harbour 24

Just as Auckland West did the day before, Auckland East were lucky enough to play Taranaki on Yarrow Stadium No 1. It didn’t take long for East to dot down and tick the scoreboard over and from that moment on the flood gates opened as the extra width and beautiful ground conditions played into the East’s hands as they exploited this over their opposition.
Final Score: Auckland East 97 – Taranaki 5

Wednesday 28th September – Auckland West vs. King Country & Auckland East vs. North Harbour
King Country showed up prepared for this game as they knew the physical toll it would have taken on the West team the day before to get over Harbour. They could smell blood and went into the half ahead. Defence has been an issue for the West team during the campaign, but thankfully they got it right and were able to hold the King Country boys out and run in a few late tries to finish and head into the last day with the bye in hand.
Final Score: Auckland West 33 – King Country 24

North Harbour would have been desperate for a win as this would see Auckland West eliminated and North Harbour take a spot in the Semi Finals. The dry conditions suited the East team as they ran in seven converted tries and secured the fate of the Harbour team.
Final Score: Auckland East 49 – North Harbour 5

Thursday 29th September – Auckland East vs. King Country
King Country were bottom of the table heading into the final round today. With all the standings in Pool A prity much set, this was a chance for Auckland East to try some new combinations. That saw a lot of mistakes and missed opportunities before the half although Auckland were still in the lead at 31 – 7 half time. The coaches knowing that Friday being a big day dragged off a few boys at half time and Auckland East team adding to the total and securing the victory.
Final Score: Auckland East 72 – King Country 7

This now sees both Auckland teams progress to the semi Finals tomorrow.

Final Standings:
Section A
1st. Auckland East
2nd. Auckland West
3rd. North Harbour
4th. Taranaki
5th. King Country

Section B
1st. Bay Of Plenty
2nd. Northland
3rd. Counties Manukau
4th. Waikato
5th. Thames Valley

Fixtures for Friday
10:30am - Auckland East vs. North Harbour at Yarrow Stadium
11:45am – Auckland West vs. Bay of Plenty at Yarrow Stadium